James “Bill” Waggener, center left, received a plaque and a watch for the 2014 Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award from President Mark Haney, left, and David S. Beck, KFB Executive Vice President, right. He was accompanied by his wife Peggy Ford Waggener, center right.

Nominated by MCFB, Dr. Garry Lacefield, center left, received the Farm Public Relations Award during the 2014 KFB Annual Meeting. He is pictured with Todd Bright, left, and David S. Beck, KFB Executive Vice President, right and his wife Cheryl, center right.

Zack and Tiffany Ison placed third in the Outstanding Young Farm Family at the 2014 KFB Annual Meeting. Pictured left to right is Tanner, Zack, Zane, Tiffany and Ashlynn Ison.

MCFB was recognized for outstanding membership and program achievement. Jamie DeHart, center, accepted the award on behalf of MCFB from Executive Vice President of KFB Insurance Companies Brad Smith, left, and KFB Executive Vice President David S. Beck.

MCFB Zack Ison, center left, was recognized as a graduate from KFB LEAD Program for 2013-2014 from KFB President Mark Haney, left, and KFB Executive Vice President David S. Beck, right.

Beth Kelly was awarded the County Farm Bureau Information Award for 2014. It is in recognition of excellence in member communications, outreach, media relations, and Farm Bureau promotion. Presented by Todd Bright.

Mercer County Young Farmers Committee held a chili supper to raise funds to benefit our local Love Tree. The Harrodsburg Herald Love Tree helps provide Christmas for 200 to 400 children every year. This year we raised over $1,950 to buy gifts, clothes and food for 8 children.

The Mercer County Farm Bureau annual meeting on September 8 was attended by over 130 members. Highlights of the evening included the Youth Contests, the Outstanding Young Farmer Awards, and many other recognitions along with officer and board member elections.

Mercer County Farm Bureau Federation is participating again this year in the Citrus Fruits & Nuts Program. This produce is delivered directly from Florida. All orders must be received by October 24, 2014. To place an order, please fill out this form and return it to the Farm Bureau office at 226 Morris Drive by October 24, 2014. Payment can be made when fruit is picked up at the local office. Delivery will be made between December 10 - 17 and will be announced on WHBN-AM Radio.

Zack and Tiffany Ison placed in the Top 3 in The Outstanding Young Farm Family(OYFF) contest in the state. They will find out at the State Annual Meeting in December if they won first, second or third.

Mercer County Farm Bureau hosted the District 5 Women's Planning Committee meeting August 2, 2014 at Devine's Corn Maze. There were 45 people in attendance and the Young Farmer's Committee grilled steaks from the youth investment sale. The Mercer County Farm Bureau Women's Committee accepted donations for the meal to build 2 more book barn bookshelves for our local schools and the Mercer County UK Extension Office.

Emilee Marie Hurt, a senior at Burgin Independent School is the recipient of the $1000 Mercer County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Benjamin Jordan Preston, a senior at Mercer County Senior High, is the recipient of a $1000 college scholarship from the Mercer County Farm Bureau Young Farmers. These awards are two of the 299 college scholarships worth a total of $402,600 that the Mercer County Farm Bureau, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation and numerous other individual county Farm Bureaus awarded this year to deserving students from across the Commonwealth.

Emilee Marie Hurt plans to attend the University of Kentucky to receive a degree in nursing. Emilee is the daughter of William and Aliceson Hurt of Burgin, KY.

Benjamin Jordan Preston is headed to the University of Kentucky to pursue a degree in agriculture economics. He is the son of Winston and Kris Preston of Salvisa, KY.

Mercer County Farm Bureau and the Mercer County UK Extension Office co-sponsored the Carnival Corral at the 9th annual Fort Harrod Beef Festival. There were many hands on activities where children could learn about agriculture.

Mercer County Farm Bureau and the Mercer County Chamber hosted a Legislative Appreciation Review on April 26, 2014 at the Mercer County Extension office. Rep. Kim King and Senator Tom Buford reviewed what happened in the General Assembly this year along with taking questions from the audience.

Though more winter weather loomed on the horizon, more than 100 Mercer County residents, elected officials, business people and farmers gathered Tuesday for the 13th Annual Mercer County Farm City Breakfast held at the Mercer County Extension office.

The event, sponsored by the Mercer County Farm Bureau, Mercer County Conservation District, Mercer County Cooperative Extension Service and Mercer Chamber of Commerce, provides each organization the opportunity to review past efforts while promoting upcoming events to keep agriculture and business leaders connected to what is happening in Mercer County.

Mercer County Judge Executive Milward Dedman opened the breakfast and Mercer County Farm Bureau President Jamie DeHart welcomed those in attendance and recognized sponsors and special guests. Mercer County Agricultural Extension Agent Linda McClanahan kicked off the breakfast with an update to the new farmer’s market building, which is slated to be finished July 1, “We are excited about the new building and the benefit it will be to our community.” Instead of her normal summary, McClanahan showed the trailer to the upcoming film “Farmland,” which follows the lives of six young farmers now running their family farm, encouraging attendees to see the film “It is important to share our story, your story, and it’s a good opportunity for people to see agriculture in a positive light.”

Jill Cutler, Executive Director for the Mercer Chamber of Commerce, touched on the progress the Chamber has made. “We are about leadership,” Cutler said noting their adult, youth and golden leadership groups in addition to the new minority leadership group being developed in cooperation with Luci Hockersmith, agent for family and consumer sciences. Other Chamber initiatives included educational efforts within the business community, Mercer and Burgin school systems and work being done to bring in post-secondary education opportunities, along with the fun activities like Pioneer Days, regional after hour business events, ribbon cuttings and business development events.

Featured speaker Warren Beeler, Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) director of ag policy, gave a presentation outlining current trends in agriculture. The information all pointed to the fact that “farmers must adapt to a public presencethat knows little about the farm.” Beeler touched on some of the federal agriculture policies with the farm bill allowing for hemp production in pilot projects for research. Kentucky’s universities are working on different seed varieties and their uses, along with production capabilities to determine profitability. Beeler’s presentation included the technological advancements made in farming that allow for better stewardship of the land and water,animal management practices including handling, transport, sickness, shelter and meeting the world’s food demands.
.
Stephen Bailey, vice-chair of the Mercer County Conservation District, wrapped up the presentations by citing the work done in the schools to educate the youth and “to teach them the right practices.” Bailey also reminded the audience of the landscape tree planting cost share program at the conservation district. Also during the meeting Rep. Kim King with the assistance of Sen. Tom Buford presented extension office staff a framed copy of the proclamation from the Kentucky House of Representatives recognizing 100 years of service from the extension offices in Kentucky.

The meeting concluded with several door prizes, and Old Fort Harrod State Park Executive Director David Coleman gave away a weekend’s stay at a Kentucky state park lodge. For more information on the National Farm City Council, whose purpose is to bring better understanding between rural and urban people by increasing their knowledge and appreciation of each other, visit www.farmcity.org.

Harrodsburg, KY (February 19, 2014) – The cost of food in America remains affordable. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, American consumers spend, on average, just over 10 percent of their disposable income for food. That means the average household will have earned enough disposable income – that portion of income available for spending or saving – to pay for its annual food supply in about seven weeks, said Kentucky Farm Bureau president Mark Haney.

“America’s food supply is the most affordable as well as the safest in the world,” Haney said. “Domestic foods that are produced by farmers in Kentucky and throughout the United States are responsible, in part, for our nation’s increased standard of living.”

In recognition of this, Mercer County Farm Bureau is celebrating February 16-22, 2014, as Food Check-Out Week.

To mark the occasion, on Monday, February 17, 2014, members of the Mercer County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee purchased $400 of food from Save-A-Lot for the Back Pack Programs of Mercer County Schools and the Burgin Independent School. The Back Pack Programs feed over 245 children each week. The schools fill over 100 back packs weekly with food that is easy to prepare by the children on the weekends. Joni Horn, the Women’s Committee Chair also attended the Mercer County Fiscal Court Meeting on February 11, 2014. She presented the Food Check-Out Week proclamation. It was adopted unanimously by the Mercer Fiscal Court, which declares Food Check-Out Week in Mercer County as February 16 through February 22, 2014.

Long after Food Check-Out Week, Americans are required to continue earning income for other necessities. The Tax Foundation has reported that Americans must work over 100 days to pay their federal taxes.

“We work much longer to pay for federal taxes than for food,” Haney said.

San Antonio, TX (January 14, 2014) – Mercer County’s Linda McClanahan bested competitors from around the country at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention this week to take home the Young Farmer & Rancher “Excellence in Agriculture Award.”

This award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Linda McClanahan of Mercer County (left) received the Young Farmer & Rancher Excellence in Agriculture Award at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual convention, held in San Antonio, TX. The award was presented by Bob Stallman, AFBF President (center), and Mark Gilbert of General Motors (right).

McClanahan, who was also winner of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2013 “Excellence in Agriculture Award,” is a Mercer County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. She also produces a daily radio program on WHBN, writes an article each week for The Harrodsburg Herald, creates industry-focused newsletters for her farming community audience, and offers her expertise as a guest columnist in the Mercer County Cattlemen’s Association newsletter.

As the winner of this national competition, McClanahan was presented with her choice of either a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or a 2014 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, and a paid registration to the 2014 Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach, VA, February 7-10.

“This award means a lot to me. It means that my work has been impactful, the judges were able to see the importance of the programs that I have done, and they were able to see my passion for agriculture,” said McClanahan. “It also means that all the hours, the night meetings, the weekend events, and all the things that I have done have paid off, but, more importantly, that they truly have made an impact on the industry in Mercer County and throughout Kentucky.”

For more information about the 95th American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting, held in San Antonio, TX, visit annualmeeting.fb.org.

Doris Hamilton was awarded the County Farm Bureau Information Award. It is in recognition of excellence in member communications, outreach, media relations, and Farm Bureau promotion. Presented by Todd Bright.

MCFB was recognized for outstanding membership and program achievement. Jamie DeHart, center, accepted the award on behalf of MCFB from Executive Vice President of KFB Insurance Companies Brad Smith, left, and KFB Executive Vice President David S. Beck.

Nominated by MCFB, Jennifer Elwell received the Farm Public Relations Award during the 2013 KFB Annual Meeting. She is pictured with Todd Bright, left, and David S. Beck, KFB Executive Vice President, right.

Mercer County Farm Bureau sponsored two students for the annual Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL) conference. IFAL is a unique five-day summer leadership conference that exposes students to college life and explores different fields of study for careers in agriculture.

Above, IFAL participant, Austin Hazelwood is accompanied by Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Second Vice President, Fritz Giesecke. Austin attended IFAL at the University of Kentucky. He is the son of Brent and Susan Hazelwood.

Above, Dustin Stewart takes a break from his IFAL experience at Murray State University with Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Organization Division Director, Matthew Ingram. Dustin is the son of Rose Stewart of Burgin.

Ashton Jones and Alex McRay, recent graduates of Mercer County Senior High School, are the recipients of $1,000 college scholarships from Mercer County Farm Bureau. These awards are two of the 250 college scholarships worth a total of $337,300 that the Mercer County Farm Bureau, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation and numerous other individual county Farm Bureau organizations awarded this year to deserving students from across the Commonwealth.

Jones received the Mercer County Farm Bureau Young Farmer Scholarship designed for students pursuing a degree in agriculture. He plans to attend the University of Kentucky to obtain a degree in Agriculture Education. Jones will pursue a career in agriculture extension or as a high school agriculture teacher. He is the son of Mike and Debbie Jones of Salvisa.

McRay is the winner of the Mercer County Farm Bureau Scholarship open to all members. He is headed to Morehead State University to major in Agriculture and plans to be an agriculture teacher. He is the son of Mike and Leigh McRay of Harrodsburg.

The crowd gathered around Zack Ison in anticipation of the 4-wheeler raffle drawing at the Young Farm Family Cookout.

Albert Alexander (seated) was the lucky winner of the Young Farmer scholarship fund raffle—a Yamaha Grizzly 300. Making the presentation were: (left to right) Derrick Leigh of Lee’s Inc., Zack Ison, Mercer County Farm Bureau vice president and young farmer co-chair, and Jamie DeHart, Mercer County Farm Bureau president and young farmer co-chair.

The Mercer County Farm Bureau Young Farmer’s 4-wheeler raffle came to an end at the Young Farm Family Cookout on Saturday, April 13, with the drawing of Albert Alexander’s ticket. The project raised more than $3,000 for the Mercer County Farm Bureau Young Farmer Scholarship Fund. This will be the second year for the MCFB Young Farmer Scholarship presentation that will be awarded to a graduating Mercer County senior who is pursuing a college degree in agriculture.
The Young Farm Family Cookout provided many other activities and entertainment for those in attendance. The young children enjoyed the bounce house, while others played corn hole and visited the business displays. The evening ended with door prizes and then guests were surprised with the ATV raffle drawing.

Mercer County Farm Bureau hosted their annual Legislative Session Review along with the Mercer Chamber of Commerce. Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and Representative Kim King both gave an overview of the recent session and took many questions from the crowd.

Mercer County Farm Bureau legislative committee chair, Charlie Ison, presented a small gift of appreciation to Representative Kim King (pictured here) as well as Senator Higdon.

Representative King and Jerry Bowling of WHBN Radio discussed the issues.

Each year during National Agriculture Week, Mercer County Farm Bureau celebrates by reading farm related books to the elementary children across the county. This year we visited more than 40 classrooms and talked to nearly 1,000 children from Preschool to 3rd grade. We read the American Farm Bureau book of the year, The Guardian Team, as well as Beef Cattle A-Z. Pictured here is Doris Hamilton reading to a group of students from Mercer County Elementary School.

Mercer County Farm Bureau officers, President Jamie DeHart and Vice President Zack Ison helped Burgin FFA celebrate National FFA week with a cookout for the students. Mercer County Farm Bureau also presented Burgin FFA and Mercer County FFA chapters with $150 each to support their 2013 awards banquet.

Mercer County Farmer, Stephen Bailey, received 2nd place honors in the Ky Farmer of the Year Program.

Bruce and Charissa Wade took home 3rd place in the Ky Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farm Family contest.

Linda McClanahan placed second this year in the Excellence in Ag Contest. Excellence in Ag contestants are judged based on their knowledge of current ag issues and their involvement in the Agriculture issue as demonstrated through their work and documented by a written application and a powerpoint presentation.

Linda McClanahan (left) and Doris Hamilton accept the award for the County Activities of Excellence contest for Mercer County’s FarmSchool Week program conducted at our local elementary schools.

Zack Ison (left center) and Jamie DeHart (right center) Co-chairmen of the Young Farmer Committee accept the Young Farmer Gold Star. DeHart and Ison are also currently serving at the Mercer County Farm Bureau president and vice president, respectively. Presenting the award are: KFB President, Mark Haney (left) and KFB Executive Vice President, David Beck.

Stephen Bailey, of Mercer County, has been named a top 2 finalist in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year program. Bailey, a 38-year farming veteran, raises beef cows and calves, stocker calves, corn, soybeans, alfalfa, mixed hay and wheat on his farm in Harrodsburg. He began full-time farming immediately after graduating from college, and, over time, has increased the size of his farm from 440 total acres to his current 2,080-acre operation. He has been a KFB member all 38 years of his farming career, serving as a Mercer County Farm Bureau Board member for four years and was named Mercer County’s Young Farmer of the Year in 1978. He also served as a Southern States Cooperative board member for 12 years, including four years as its Chairman, is currently the Mercer County Conservation District Supervisor and Vice Chairman of the Conservation Board of Supervisors, and is active on numerous other local civic and industry-specific organizations.

After being postponing once due to rain the clouds cleared off just in time for the Fall Fling. Almost 100 young farmers attended, enjoying a pedal tractor pull, fresh made apple cider and all the fun of Devine’s Corn Maze.

The Mercer County Agriculture Field Day was an overwhelming success this year with about 270 people in attendance. The farm tour stops included: ATV safety, Feeding Cattle in a drought, tobacco production and agri-tourism and vegetable production. Mercer County Farm Bureau also offered ATV safety information at their booth.

Mercer County Farm Bureau young farmers will be raffling a 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 300 to raise funds for the Young Farmer Scholarship. Tickets are $20 each and only 300 will be sold. Tickets are available at the office or at many of the community events throughout the year.

Ian Thomas received the 2012 Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year award from young farmer chairman, Zack Ison (left). Ian is the 22 year old son of Jim and Susanna Thomas of Harrodsburg. He is very active in the local community serving on the Cattlemen’s Association board of directors; is an active member of his church, and the Mercer County Fire District. He was also elected to the Mercer County Farm Bureau board of directors tonight. Ian has built an impressive farming operation in only four years. He currently has 700 acres of leased pasture in partnership and also leases 430 acres of crop and pasture land for feeder cattle, brood cows, and alfalfa hay. In addition, he has also purchased 63 acres of land, adjoining some of his leased property. His operation consists of 65 cow/calf pairs, 1,200 head of feeder cattle and 35 acres of alfalfa hay. In the future, Ian and his fiancé, Elaine Clark, plan to expand the cow herd and diversify the operation into tobacco production and several hundred acres of grain crops.

The Mercer County Farm Bureau annual meeting welcomed a crowd of nearly 130 members. Highlights of the evening included the Young Contests, the Outstanding Young Farmer Award, and many other recognitions along with officer and board member elections.

A Mercer County family has been named one of the top 3 finalists in the 2012 Kentucky Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farm Family Contest. Bruce and Charissa Wade are pictured here with daughters, Alexa and Mia. Bruce and his family farm over 3,000 acres of land.

The 2012 Mercer County Farm Bureau scholarship winners were announced at senior awards night on May 14. Matthew Hamilton was the winner of the $750 Mercer County Farm Bureau Young Farmer Scholarship. Allisa Sowder was awarded the $1,000 Mercer County Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship. Both recipients will be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall.